In a major shift in the leadership of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), former national team captain Faruk Ahmed has been named the new BCB president after the sudden resignation of long-serving president Nazmul Hassan Papon. This marks a new chapter for the board, as the presidency had remained with Papon for over a decade until this recent transition.
Faruk Ahmed, born on July 24, 1966, in Dhaka, brings a wealth of experience both as a cricketer and an administrator. Academically, he holds an Honours and Master’s degree in Public Administration from Dhaka University. His cricketing career began on October 29, 1988, during the Asia Cup in a One Day International (ODI) match against Pakistan, a game that also saw the debut of Wahidul Gani and Akram Khan. Faruk’s most notable performance was in 1990 when he scored a career-high 57 runs against India in Chandigarh, forming a crucial 108-run partnership with Athar Ali Khan. He later played for Bangladesh in the historic 1999 ICC World Cup and wrapped up his international career the same year after a match against Australia, finishing with 105 runs in 7 ODIs and 437 runs in 21 List A matches.
Faruk’s post-playing career saw him transition into a key role within the BCB, serving as the chief selector from 2003 to 2007. His tenure is credited with identifying and promoting young talents like Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Tamim Iqbal, who would later become the core of Bangladesh’s national cricket team. His return as chief selector in 2013 brought further success, particularly during the 2015 ICC World Cup and subsequent series wins against top-tier teams like Pakistan, India, and South Africa.
However, Faruk’s outspoken nature and commitment to integrity led to his resignation in 2016, as he protested against what he described as widespread corruption, mismanagement, and political interference within the board. He had consistently voiced concerns about the internal dysfunction, bureaucratic interference, and lack of transparency that plagued the BCB during his tenure.
Now, with his appointment as BCB president, Faruk Ahmed is expected to bring a much-needed shift in governance and a renewed focus on the development of Bangladesh cricket. His leadership is anticipated to address many of the administrative issues that have hindered the board in recent years. The cricketing fraternity and fans alike are watching closely as this change in leadership unfolds, hopeful that his experience and vision will steer Bangladesh cricket into a more stable and prosperous future.
The decision to appoint Faruk as the new president signals a potential shift toward transparency, professionalism, and development-oriented policies within the board. This new direction could prove pivotal in addressing the longstanding challenges faced by Bangladesh cricket and strengthening its position on the global stage.
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